Energy efficiency seminar scheduledFREEPORT — Businesses will have a chance next week to learn about energy efficiency and environmental compliance at a seminar featuring business and environmental officials.The Armstrong County Industrial Development Council, Clarion University and Indiana (Pa.) University will offer the seminar, Energy Efficiency & Environmental Compliance: You Have Questions — We Have Answers, from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at IUP’s Northpointe campus, 167 Northpointe Boulevard, Freeport.Speakers will include Lee Ann Briggs of the Environmental Management Assistance Program; Denise Bechdel of the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program; and Cindy Nellis of the Clarion University Small Business Development Center.The cost to attend is $10, and businesses should register at web.clarion.edu/SBDC/Training/Register.asp?CID=1086.

Strikes planned at McDonald’sNEW YORK — McDonald’s customers stopping in for a Big Mac on the eve of Tax Day may be greeted by demonstrators calling for pay of $15 an hour and a union.Labor organizers say they’re planning another day of strikes and protests exclusively targeting McDonald’s stores in dozens of cities on April 14, following similar demonstrations outside a variety of fast-food restaurants a year ago.The move is intended to build on a campaign to lift wages and revitalize union enrollment by spotlighting working conditions at the world’s biggest hamburger chain. Already, a wave of demonstrations that began in New York City in late 2012 has made low pay a major political issue and helped spur the passage of higher local minimum wages around the country.The “Fight for $15” campaign is being backed by the Service Employees International Union, whose members include nursing home workers and janitors.For April 14, organizers say they’re focusing on McDonald’s because of its size and ability to influence pay practices.